Kiev says peace process in eastern Ukraine still fragile

The Ukrainian top security official said here Wednesday that peace process in eastern areas of the country remains fragile despite a ceasefire deal that has been in place for more than two months.

"I have to say that the peace process has not crossed the line when it becomes irreversible," Oleksandr Turchynov, head of the country's National Security and Defense Council, told reporters.

Accusing the pro-independence insurgents of attempting to derail the implementation of the Minsk ceasefire agreement, Turchynov said that hostilities in eastern Ukraine may resume "at any moment."

His comments came after reported escalation of tensions between the conflicting sides in restive regions, with each party accusing each other of using heavy weapons that should have been withdrawn under the ceasefire deal.

Military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said that one soldier was killed on Tuesday after rebels launched mortars attacks against government positions. It marked the first combat death in the conflict this month.

Besides, five military officials were wounded in the fighting, Lysenko added.

The insurgent forces have not commented on their casualties. The rebel-run "DAN" news agency said that Ukrainian army carried out 10 attacks on rebel positions within the past 24 hours using mortars and infantry fighting vehicles.

Almost 8,000 people have been killed and around 17,800 others wounded since the fighting broke out in eastern Ukraine in April 2014.

On Sept. 1, 2014, a comprehensive cease-fire was established in eastern Ukraine, which has substantially eased the fighting. Endit